Members of the Medicine Valley FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America) Chapter attended the FCCLA State Leadership Conference, April 7-9, in Lincoln. Lights! Camera! Take Action! - was the theme of the three-day meeting for over 1300 Family and Consumer Sciences students and advisers representing 120 chapters in Nebraska. The students were motivated by a variety of leadership experiences during the conference, making FCCLA The Ultimate Leadership Experience. Delegates also explored several careers related to family and consumer sciences, and were encouraged to take advantage of opportunities for developing leadership skills for their family, career, and community lives.

Attending from Medicine Valley was Sage Schmidt the Chairperson for the Financial Fitness Team and overall SPOT Chairperson. Starla Henderson the Chairperson to the Families First Peer Education Team and named overall SPOT Secretary. Starla Henderson was elected to the 2013-2014 State Officer Team and will serve as the Regional Vice-President; Sage Schmidt was also elected to the 2013-2014 State Officer Team and will serve as State Secretary. Grayce Jorgensen was elected as Chairperson of the Financial Fitness Team and Andie Chapman was named the Public Relations Chairperson for the Student Body Team. Medicine Valley also had 23 STAR participants listed below. Hannah Hosick also received Power of One awards for competing all 5 modules. In addition to the chapter adviser, Suzanne Martin, sponsors included Lori Welch, Lani Chapman, Bob Lemon, Bob Willis and Allan Mortensen.

The STAR (Student Taking Action for Recognition) competitive events on Monday let delegates share their special skills and knowledge with others and be recognized for their achievements. This year, the Medicine Valley chapter had 9 teams they received 4 silver awards and 5 gold awards, 1 group was named State Runner Up and 1 team received State Champion. These two teams will have the honor of representing Nebraska and Medicine Valley at the national conference in Nashville, TN. The individual teams were represented by:

At the Awards and Recognition session The Medicine Valley FCCLA chapter also received a Gold Chapter Award. Our adviser Miss Martin was one of 16 advisers to receive the ACE Adviser Award.

National Leadership Conference is in Nashville, TN July 7-11. Sage, Starla, Andie, Grayce and Matti will be representing Medicine Valley Schools and FCCLA. They will be competing in various STAR events as well as gaining new leadership skills and officer training.

FCCLA is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education. There are approximately 4000 members in 135 chapters in Nebraska. By developing their skills for life through activities that promote character development, critical and creative thinking, inter-personal communication, practical knowledge and vocational preparation, FCCLA members are preparing for their multiple roles in family, workplace and community.